CVE-2005-4534 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
The shadow database feature (syncshadowdb) in Bugzilla 2.9 through 2.16.10 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4534 affects Bugzilla versions 2.9 through 2.16.10 and specifically targets the shadow database synchronization feature known as syncshadowdb. This flaw represents a classic race condition vulnerability that enables local attackers to manipulate the system's file permissions and overwrite arbitrary files through a carefully crafted symbolic link attack. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during the shadow database synchronization process, creating a window of opportunity for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the syncshadowdb functionality creating temporary files in predictable locations without proper security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. When the system processes these temporary files, it does not validate whether they are legitimate files or symbolic links pointing to sensitive system locations. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same names as the temporary files that Bugzilla generates, effectively redirecting the write operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of attack falls under the category of time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions as defined by CWE-367 and represents a significant privilege escalation vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify critical system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Local users can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite configuration files, system binaries, or other sensitive artifacts within the Bugzilla installation directory or system-wide locations. The attack requires local system access but can result in persistent backdoors or privilege escalation to higher system privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of local system privileges for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4534 focus on implementing proper file handling security measures and eliminating the race condition in the syncshadowdb functionality. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Bugzilla versions 2.16.11 or later where this vulnerability has been patched through improved temporary file handling and validation mechanisms. The patch typically implements secure temporary file creation using proper file permission settings and atomic operations to prevent symbolic link attacks. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper file system permissions, ensure that Bugzilla runs with minimal required privileges, and conduct regular security audits of the installation directory. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper temporary file handling practices as outlined in secure coding guidelines and represents a fundamental security principle that should be applied to all software systems handling temporary file operations.